LDP Senator David Leyonhjelm comes out in support of marriage equality

Liberal Democratic Party senator for NSW, David Leyonhjelm made a case for marriage equality in his maiden speech for parliament yesterday.

Leyonhjelm, who is known for his libertarian views, spoke of the importance of liberty for all without government interference.

“Liberty is eroded when we are unable to marry the person of our choice, whatever their gender,” Lyonhjelm said. “It is not legitimate for government to involve itself in things that an individual voluntarily does to him or herself, or that people choose to do to each other by mutual consent, when nobody else is harmed.”

Lyonhjelm is the latest in a string of politicians who have voiced their support for marriage equality.

Marriage equality advocates have been heartened by Lyonhjelm’s comment, praising Leyonhjelm for making same-sex marriage a priority in his inaugural speech.

Australian Marriage Equality deputy director, Ivan Hinton said, "It's great to see Senator Leyonhjelm giving marriage equality such a high priority.

"It's also significant that he has highlighted how the reform is a matter of personal freedom from undue government interference in our private lives.

“Personal freedom is important to many Australians and Senator Leyonhjelm's speech enjoyed a repeated chorus of support from Government Senators".

Hinton said he was hopeful Leyonhjelm's focus on the freedom to marry would prompt further Coalition members to embrace the reform.